What is the REF?

The Research Excellence Framework or REF is the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs) through a process of peer-review.

All higher education institutions were invited to submit up to 36 units of assessment or disciplines in November 2013. Submissions were assessed by an expert sub-panel of academics and users of research for each unit of assessment, working under the guidance of four main panels. Sub-panels applied a set of generic assessment criteria and level definitions, to produce an overall quality profile for each submission.

There are three key elements:

The quality of research outputs (65 per cent).

The impact of research which considered the effect of the research on the economy, society, public policy, culture and quality of life (20 per cent).

The vitality of the research environment which considered the research strategy, infrastructure and environment, including research income and research degrees awarded (15 per cent).

What is the REF?

The Research Excellence Framework or REF is the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs) through a process of peer-review.

All higher education institutions were invited to submit up to 36 units of assessment or disciplines in November 2013. Submissions were assessed by an expert sub-panel of academics and users of research for each unit of assessment, working under the guidance of four main panels. Sub-panels applied a set of generic assessment criteria and level definitions, to produce an overall quality profile for each submission.

There are three key elements:

The quality of research outputs (65 per cent).

The impact of research which considered the effect of the research on the economy, society, public policy, culture and quality of life (20 per cent).

The vitality of the research environment which considered the research strategy, infrastructure and environment, including research income and research degrees awarded (15 per cent).